JP6769413B2 - Image formation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system including a communication device and an image forming apparatus.

Some image forming devices such as multifunction devices and printers perform print jobs. Then, some image forming devices hold the received print data. When the information for starting printing (for example, a password) is input, the image forming apparatus starts printing based on the reserved print data. Such printing is sometimes referred to as private printing. In private printing, printing is started after the user reaches the front of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent others from seeing the printed matter that should be kept confidential. In addition, it may be possible to delegate private printing (proxy printing). In proxy printing, a assignee who has been granted printing authority by the sender of print data can start printing. The assignee receives the printed matter. An example of such a proxy printing technique is described in Patent Document 1.

Patent Document 1 includes an information processing device and an image forming device, and the information processing device transmits print data to the image forming device to detect and detect a communication terminal existing within the communication range of short-range wireless communication. One or more of the communication terminals are selected, the print authority of the transmitted print data is given to the selected communication terminal, and the security level set for the print data is the print authority to the communication terminal. When the grant is at a restricted level, the process of granting the print authority is not executed, and the image forming apparatus supports the print authority when the communication terminal having the print authority exists within the communication range of the short-range wireless communication. Allows printing of print data to be performed, logs the user in response to multiple storage units corresponding to each user and authentication operation, and if there is a login, permits access to the storage unit corresponding to the logged-in user. When print data is transmitted from the information processing device, the first user corresponding to the information processing device is specified, the print data is stored in the storage unit corresponding to the first user, and the printing authority is given. When the communication terminal exists within the communication range of short-range wireless communication, the setting of the print condition cannot be changed for the print data corresponding to the print authority of the communication terminal by identifying the second user corresponding to the communication terminal. By moving the print data to the storage unit corresponding to the second user after adding the information indicating, the printing of the print data corresponding to the print authority is permitted, and the print data is printed from the storage unit corresponding to the first user. Is deleted, and the print data stored in the storage unit corresponding to the second user is stored in the storage unit corresponding to the second user on condition that the second user logs out before printing the print data or the preset time limit is exceeded. A printing system for deleting data from a unit and moving the print data to a storage unit corresponding to the first user is described (Patent Document 1: Claim 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5885715

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus needs to store user information. The user information is information of a person who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus. In other words, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to authenticate the user by an image forming apparatus based on the user information. In addition, each user must be able to log in to the image forming apparatus based on the authentication. If there is no user information, proxy printing cannot be performed.

Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that proxy printing cannot be performed by an image forming apparatus that does not have (cannot store) user information. In addition, there is a problem that a user (unregistered person) who is not included in the user information cannot perform proxy printing.

In view of the above problems of the prior art, the present invention enables proxy printing even in an environment where user authentication cannot be performed.

The image forming system according to claim 1 for solving the above problems includes an image forming device, an imparting device, a surrogate device, and a storage. The image forming apparatus includes a printing unit. The granting device grants proxy printing authority. The proxy device is a device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted. The storage stores data. The image forming apparatus, the imparting apparatus, and the surrogate apparatus each include a communication unit and can communicate with each other. The granting device accepts a first proxy setting operation that defines a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. When the first proxy setting operation is performed, the granting device transmits a creation request requesting the creation of the dedicated area to the image forming apparatus. The dedicated area is a storage area dedicated to proxy printing. Upon receiving the creation request, the image forming apparatus creates the dedicated area in the storage. When the dedicated area is created, the granting device creates data for proxy printing. By transmitting the created proxy printing data to the image forming apparatus, the granting device grants the proxy printing authority to the communication device set in the first proxy setting operation, and the first proxy setting operation. Set the communication device set in step 1 as the first proxy device. The proxy printing data includes proxy printing permission information and print data for printing on the printing unit. The image forming apparatus stores the received data for proxy printing in the dedicated area. The image forming apparatus determines whether or not the first surrogate device exists within a certain distance from the image forming apparatus. When it is determined that the first proxy device exists, the image forming apparatus transmits a response request inquiring whether or not to perform proxy printing to the first proxy device. Upon receiving an execution response to the effect of performing proxy printing from the first proxy device, the image forming apparatus causes the printing unit to perform printing based on the print data stored in the dedicated area.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism capable of proxy printing even in an environment where user authentication cannot be performed.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3rd communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the preparatory process of proxy printing which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the proxy printing data which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of change of the grantee of the proxy printing authority which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the proxy printing data after changing the grantee of the proxy printing authority which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of transfer of the proxy printing which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the execution flow of the proxy printing which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of processing during the proxy printing of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. However, each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an explanatory example.

(Outline of image forming system 100)
An example of the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment.

The image forming system 100 includes a plurality of communication devices (first communication device 1, second communication device 2, third communication device 3), an image forming device 4, and a storage 5. Each communication device and the image forming apparatus 4 can communicate wirelessly. The image forming apparatus 4 communicates with the storage 5 wirelessly or by wire. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer can be used as the image forming apparatus 4. The image forming apparatus 4 is not limited to the printer. The image forming apparatus 4 may be another type of printing apparatus such as a multifunction device, a copying machine, and a facsimile apparatus. The image forming apparatus 4 prints based on the print data D3 received from the communication device.

FIG. 1 shows a first communication device 1, a second communication device 2, and a third communication device 3. The number of communication devices may be four or more. Communication equipment is carried (carried) by the owner. A terminal for mobile communication can be used for each communication device. For example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a PDA can be used for each communication device.

The storage 5 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device. The storage 5 may be communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 4 via a network. For the storage 5, for example, a cloud can be used. Further, the storage 5 may be a data server. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the storage 5 is provided outside the image forming apparatus 4. However, the storage 5 may be built in the image forming apparatus 4.

(Each communication device)
An example of the communication device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the first communication device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the second communication device 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the third communication device 3 according to the embodiment.

In this description, an example in which a smartphone is used for the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the third communication device 3 will be described. Therefore, the configurations of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the third communication device 3 are basically the same.

[First communication device 1]
The first communication device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display 12, a touch panel 13, an imaging unit 14, a voice processing unit 15, a microphone 16, a reproduction processing unit 17, a speaker 18, and a wireless communication unit 19.

The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the first communication device 1. The processing unit 10 includes a CPU 10a and an image processing circuit 10b. The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the first communication device 1 based on the OS, the program, the application, and the data. The image processing circuit 10b performs image processing on the image data. The storage unit 11 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The storage unit 11 non-volatilely stores the OS, programs, applications, and data of the first communication device 1. The driver software S1 and the proxy printing application A1 are installed in the storage unit 11. The driver software S1 is a program for enabling printing by the image forming apparatus 4.

The display 12 displays various information in accordance with the request from the processing unit 10 . The touch panel 13 is connected to the processing unit 10. The processing unit 10 recognizes the touched position based on the output of the touch panel 13. The display 12 displays an operation image (icon, button, key, tab, etc.). Based on the output of the touch panel 13, the processing unit 10 recognizes the operated (touched) operation image. Settings can be made by pressing icons, buttons and keys. The imaging unit 14 is a camera provided in each communication device. The wireless communication unit 19 includes an antenna and a communication circuit. The wireless communication unit 19 communicates with the image forming apparatus 4 and other communication devices based on the instruction of the processing unit 10. The voice processing unit 15 converts the voice input to the microphone 16 into a digital signal. The reproduction processing unit 17 causes the speaker 18 to reproduce the audio data.

[Second communication device 2]
The second communication device 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display 22, a touch panel 23, an imaging unit 24, a voice processing unit 25, a microphone 26, a reproduction processing unit 27, a speaker 28, and a wireless communication unit 29.

The processing unit 20 controls the operation of the second communication device 2. The processing unit 20 includes a CPU 20a and an image processing circuit 20b. The processing unit 20 controls the operation of the second communication device 2 based on the OS, the program, the application, and the data. The image processing circuit 20b performs image processing on the image data. The storage unit 21 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The storage unit 21 non-volatilely stores the OS, programs, applications, and data of the second communication device 2. The driver software S1 and the proxy printing application A1 are also installed in the storage unit 21.

The display 22 displays various information in accordance with the request from the processing unit 20 . The touch panel 23 is connected to the processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 recognizes the touched position based on the output of the touch panel 23. The display 22 displays an operation image (icon, button, key, tab, etc.). Based on the output of the touch panel 23, the processing unit 20 recognizes the operated (touched) operation image. Settings can be made by pressing icons, buttons and keys. The imaging unit 24 is a camera provided in each communication device. The wireless communication unit 29 includes an antenna and a communication circuit. The wireless communication unit 29 communicates with the image forming apparatus 4 and other communication devices based on the instruction of the processing unit 20. The voice processing unit 25 converts the voice input to the microphone 26 into a digital signal. The reproduction processing unit 27 causes the speaker 28 to reproduce the audio data.

[Third communication device 3]
The third communication device 3 includes a processing unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display 32, a touch panel 33, an imaging unit 34, a voice processing unit 35, a microphone 36, a reproduction processing unit 37, a speaker 38, and a wireless communication unit 39.

The processing unit 30 controls the operation of the third communication device 3. The processing unit 30 includes a CPU 30a and an image processing circuit 30b. The processing unit 30 controls the operation of the third communication device 3 based on the OS, the program, the application, and the data. The image processing circuit 30b performs image processing on the image data. The storage unit 31 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The storage unit 31 non-volatilely stores the OS, programs, applications, and data of the third communication device 3. The driver software S1 and the proxy printing application A1 are also installed in the storage unit 31.

The display 32 displays various information in accordance with the request from the processing unit 30. The touch panel 33 is connected to the processing unit 30. The processing unit 30 recognizes the touched position based on the output of the touch panel 33. The display 32 displays an operation image (icon, button, key, tab, etc.). Based on the output of the touch panel 33, the processing unit 30 recognizes the operated (touched) operation image. Settings can be made by pressing icons, buttons and keys. The image pickup unit 34 is a camera provided in each communication device. The wireless communication unit 39 includes an antenna and a communication circuit. The wireless communication unit 39 communicates with the image forming apparatus 4 and other communication devices based on the instruction of the processing unit 30. The voice processing unit 35 converts the voice input to the microphone 36 into a digital signal. The reproduction processing unit 37 causes the speaker 38 to reproduce the audio data.

(Image forming apparatus 4)
An example of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 4 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, an operation panel 42, a printing unit 43, and a main body communication unit 44. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 4. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 40a and an image processing unit 40b. The storage unit 41 is a combination of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and HDD. The storage unit 41 may include the storage unit 5. The storage unit 41 stores data, settings, and programs for controlling the image forming apparatus 4. In addition, the storage unit 41 can store image data. The CPU 40a controls the image forming apparatus 4 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 41. The image processing unit 40b generates image data to be used for printing based on the received print data D3. The image processing unit 40b performs necessary image processing.

The operation panel 42 accepts the setting operation of the user. The operation panel 42 includes a display panel for display and a hardware key. The control unit 40 recognizes the setting based on the signal from the operation panel 42. The control unit 40 operates the printing unit 43 and the main body communication unit 44 based on the user's settings.

The printing unit 43 includes a paper feeding unit 45, a paper conveying unit 46, an image forming unit 47, and a fixing unit 48. At the time of printing, the control unit 40 feeds the paper set in the paper feed unit 45. The control unit 40 transports the paper to the paper transport unit 46 along the transport path in the machine. The control unit 40 transmits the image data generated by the image processing unit 40b0 to the image forming unit 47. The control unit 40 causes the image forming unit 47 to form a toner image based on the image data. Further, the control unit 40 causes the image forming unit 47 to transfer the toner image to the paper. The toner image is transferred to the conveyed paper. The control unit 40 causes the fixing unit 48 to fix the transferred toner image on the paper.

The main body communication unit 44 can communicate with each communication device wirelessly. Further, the main body communication unit 44 can communicate with the storage 5 provided outside the image forming apparatus 4 via the network. The main body communication unit 44 receives the print data D3 transmitted from the communication device. The print data D3 is image data or data described in a page description language. The control unit 40 causes the print unit 43 to print based on the received print data D3.

(Overview of proxy printing)
In the image forming system 100, proxy printing can be performed by using the image forming apparatus 4 and two communication devices. In proxy printing, a communication device that transmits print data D3 grants proxy printing authority to another communication device. The print data D3 transmitted from the communication device is temporarily held. The image forming apparatus 4 does not immediately start printing using the received print data D3 for proxy printing. Printing based on the reserved print data D3 can be started by using the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted.

In proxy printing, the owner (trustee) of the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted goes to the image forming apparatus 4. The owner (delegator) of the communication device that has transmitted the print data D3 to the image forming apparatus 4 does not go to the image forming apparatus 4. Then, the person in charge receives the printed matter. For example, if you are out or cannot take your hands off, the delegator grants proxy printing authority. The delegate is a person who has the same confidentiality obligation as the delegator. The delegate hands the printed matter to the delegate. As a result, the delegator can obtain the printed matter without going to the image forming apparatus 4. No secrets will be leaked.

In proxy printing, preparatory processing (preparation sequence) for proxy printing is performed. After the preparatory process, proxy printing is executed. The preparatory process for proxy printing will be described below. After the preparatory process is described, the execution of proxy printing will be described.

(Preparation process for proxy printing)
Next, an example of the preparatory process for proxy printing in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the preparatory process for proxy printing according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of proxy printing data D2 according to the embodiment.

Any of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the third communication device 3 can be an granting device that grants proxy printing authority to other communication devices. In the following description, an example in which the first communication device 1 is used as the granting device among the communication devices will be described. Any of the first communication device 1, the second communication device 2, and the third communication device 3 can be a proxy device to which the granting device gives the proxy printing authority. The proxy device includes a first proxy device and a second proxy device. In the following description, an example in which the second communication device 2 is used as the first proxy device will be described. Further, an example in which the third communication device 3 is used as the second proxy device will be described. The second proxy device is a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is newly granted for the same print data D3 after the proxy printing authority is granted to the first proxy device. In proxy printing, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2, the processing unit 30 of the third communication device 3, and the control unit 40 of the image forming device 4 are used in the proxy printing application A1. Perform processing based on.

First, the first communication device 1 (granting device) accepts the first proxy setting operation (step 11). The first proxy setting operation is an operation for defining a communication device (first proxy device) to which the proxy printing authority is granted. When a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 13, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 causes the display 12 to display a selection screen (not shown) for selecting a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. The processing unit 10 displays selectable communication devices on the selection screen. The selectable communication device (communication device to which the proxy printing authority can be granted) is predetermined. The data D1 to be granted, which is the data defining the communication device to which the proxy printing authority can be granted, is stored in the storage unit of each communication device (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

The user selects one of the communication devices displayed on the display 12 of the first communication device 1. The touch panel 13 accepts the selection (touch) of the communication device. The processing unit 10 recognizes the selected communication device. Here, the case where the second communication device 2 is selected will be described. When the first proxy setting operation is performed, the processing unit 10 establishes communication with the communication device (second communication device 2) that is a candidate for granting the proxy printing authority. The granting device and the granting candidate communication device communicate with each other. Then, each processing unit of the granting device and the granting candidate communication device determines the validity of each other (step 12).

The storage unit of each communication device stores unique information (unique information) (see FIGS. 2 to 4). For example, a unique ID is stored. The first communication device 1 stores the unique information i1. The second communication device 2 stores the unique information i2. The third communication device 3 stores the unique information i3. When determining the validity of each other, each communication device exchanges unique information with each other. Each communication device determines the validity of the other party based on the received unique information.

The legitimacy determination algorithm may be any one that can determine the legitimacy without error. The legitimacy determination algorithm is appropriately determined. For example, an electronic signature (electronic authentication) mechanism can be used.

For example, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) transfers the hash value of its own unique information i1 and its own unique information i1 encrypted with the private key to the wireless communication unit 29 of the second communication device 2. Send. The processing unit 20 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i1. Further, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 causes the wireless communication unit 29 to acquire the public key of the first communication device 1. The processing unit 20 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i1 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the processing unit 20 determines that the granting device is valid. If they are different, the processing unit 20 determines that the granting device is not valid.

On the contrary, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 sets the hash value of its own unique information i2 and its own unique information i2 encrypted with the private key into the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device). Send to. The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i2. The processing unit 10 of the granting device causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the public key of the second communication device 2. Further, the processing unit 10 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i2 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the processing unit 10 determines that the second communication device 2 is valid. If they are different, the processing unit 10 determines that the second communication device 2 is not valid. The public key of each communication device may be stored in the storage 5.

The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the result of determining the validity of the second communication device 2. When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 continues the processing. When it is determined that there is no legitimacy in either one, the processing unit 10 cancels the processing. If the validity is not recognized, the processing related to proxy printing cannot proceed. As a result, proxy printing cannot be performed. When the processing is stopped, the processing unit 10 stops the processing and displays a message on the display 12 that proxy printing is not possible. The owner of the granting device can recognize that proxy printing is not possible.

When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) establishes communication with the image forming device 4. The imparting device and the image forming apparatus 4 communicate with each other. Then, the processing unit 10 of the imparting device and the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 determine the validity of each other (step 13).

The storage unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 4 stores unique information (unique information i4) (see FIG. 5). For example, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 4 can be the unique information i4. When determining the validity of each other, the granting device and the image forming device 4 exchange unique information with each other. The granting device and the image forming apparatus 4 determine whether or not the other party is valid based on the received unique information.

The algorithm for determining the correctness between the imparting device and the image forming apparatus 4 may also be one that can determine the correctness without error. The legitimacy determination algorithm is appropriately determined. For example, an electronic signature (electronic authentication) mechanism can be used between the granting device and the image forming apparatus 4.

For example, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) transmits the hash value of its own unique information i1 and its own unique information i1 encrypted with the private key to the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 4. To do. The control unit 40 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i1. Further, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the main body communication unit 44 to acquire the public key of the first communication device 1. The control unit 40 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i1 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the control unit 40 determines that the granting device is valid. If they are different, the control unit 40 determines that the granting device is not valid.

On the contrary, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 transfers the hash value of its own unique information i4 and its own unique information i4 encrypted with the private key to the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device). Send. The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i4. Further, the processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the public key of the image forming apparatus 4. Further, the control unit 40 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i4 encrypted with the private key with the public key. When both hash values are correct, the processing unit 10 determines that the image forming apparatus 4 is valid. If they are different, the processing unit 10 determines that the image forming apparatus 4 is not valid. The public key of the image forming apparatus 4 may be stored in the storage 5.

The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the result of determining the validity of the image forming device 4. The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the main body communication unit 44 to acquire the result of determining the validity of the image forming device. When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 and the control unit 40 continue the processing. When it is determined that there is no validity in any one of them, the processing unit 10 and the control unit 40 stop the processing. If the validity is not recognized, the processing related to proxy printing cannot proceed. As a result, proxy printing cannot be performed. When the processing is stopped, the processing unit 10 stops the processing and displays a message on the display 12 that proxy printing is not possible. The owner of the granting device can recognize that proxy printing is not possible.

When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) transmits the creation request to the communication unit of the image forming device 4 (step 14). The creation request is a request for creating a dedicated area. The dedicated area is a storage area dedicated to proxy printing by a proxy device (a communication device that grants proxy printing authority). The creation request is transmitted each time the first proxy setting operation is performed. Therefore, a different dedicated area is created each time the proxy printing authority is granted.

Upon receiving the creation request, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the storage 5 to create a dedicated area (step 15). The control unit 40 causes the main body communication unit 44 to transmit an instruction to create a dedicated area toward the storage 5. Upon receiving the creation instruction, the storage 5 creates a dedicated area. When the dedicated area is created, the storage 5 notifies the first communication device 1 (granting device) and the image forming device 4 of the completion of creation (step 16). Instead of the storage 5, the image forming apparatus 4 may notify the first communication device 1 of the completion of creation.

When the dedicated area is created, the first communication device 1 (granting device) creates the proxy printing data D2 (step 17). The proxy print data D2 includes the proxy print permission information i5 and the print data D3. The print data D3 is data for being printed by the printing unit 43. An example of the proxy printing data D2 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the proxy printing data D2 includes the print data D3. The print data D3 is, for example, data described in a page description language. Further, the print data D3 may include image data. Further, the print data D3 includes print setting data. The driver software S1 installed on each communication device can be used to make settings related to printing such as a print range and the number of copies. The print setting data indicates the setting contents in the driver software S1. The processing unit 10 generates the print data D3 based on the data instructed to print and the driver software S1.

In the proxy printing data D2, the proxy printing permission information i5 is added to the print data D3. As shown in FIG. 7, the proxy print permission information i5 includes the unique information i1 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) and the unique information i2 of the communication device (second communication device 2) for which the proxy printing authority is to be granted. , Unique information i4 of the image forming apparatus 4, dedicated area information i6, creation date and time i7, and hash value i8 can be included. The dedicated area information i6 is the address of the dedicated area and the unique information of the storage 5. Targeting the print data D3, the processing unit 10 obtains the hash value i8 by an operation based on a predetermined hash function.

The processing unit of the first communication device 1 (granting device) causes the communication unit of the image forming apparatus 4 to transmit the created proxy printing data D2 to the wireless communication unit 19 (step 18). When the proxy print data D2 is transmitted, the processing unit 10 non-volatilely stores the proxy print permission information i5 in the transmitted proxy print data D2 in the storage unit 11 (see FIG. 2). The image forming apparatus 4 can recognize that the second communication device 2 has been granted the proxy printing authority by the received proxy printing data D2. That is, by transmitting the proxy printing data D2, the proxy printing authority is given to the selected communication device (second communication device 2). In other words, the first communication device 1 sets the communication device (second communication device 2) set in the first proxy setting operation as the first proxy device.

The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 stores (saves) the received proxy printing data D2 in a dedicated area (step 19). As a result, the proxy printing data D2 is stored in the storage 5.

Based on the communication with the storage 5, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 recognizes the completion of saving the proxy printing data D2 in the storage 5. When the storage completion is recognized, the control unit 40 causes the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) to transmit the storage completion notification to the communication unit (step 110). Upon receiving the save completion notification, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 displays a message on the display 12 that the preparation for proxy printing is completed. The owner of the first communication device 1 can recognize that the preparation for proxy printing has been completed without any problem.

When the save completion notification is received, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 notifies the wireless communication unit 29 of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device) of the completion of proxy printing preparation (step). 111). Upon receiving the proxy print preparation completion notification, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 causes the display 22 to display a message indicating that the print data D3 transmitted by the first communication device 1 is ready for proxy printing. The owner of the second communication device 2 can recognize that the preparation for proxy printing is complete. Further, the owner of the second communication device 2 can recognize that he / she should go to the image forming apparatus 4 for proxy printing.

(Change to the destination of proxy printing authority)
Next, an example of changing the grantee of the proxy printing authority according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of changing the destination to which the proxy printing authority is granted according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of proxy printing data D2 after the destination of granting proxy printing authority according to the embodiment is changed.

The owner of the granting device may want to change the person who grants the proxy printing authority. Therefore, in the image forming system 100, the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted can be changed by operating the granting device (first communication device 1).

Hereinafter, an example in which the granting device is the first communication device 1 will be described. Then, a case where the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted is changed from the second communication device 2 to the third communication device 3 will be described. That is, an example in which the second communication device 2 is the first proxy device and the third communication device 3 is the second proxy device will be described.

When the proxy printing authority is changed, the delegator performs the second proxy setting operation. The touch panel 13 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) accepts the second proxy setting operation (step 21). The second proxy setting operation is an operation for changing the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. When a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 13, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 causes the display 12 to display a selection screen (not shown) for selecting a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is newly granted. .. Based on the data to be given D1, the processing unit 10 displays selectable communication devices on the selection screen.

The delegator selects one of the communication devices displayed on the display 12 of the first communication device 1. The touch panel 13 accepts the selection (touch) of the communication device. The processing unit 10 recognizes the selected communication device. Here, the third communication device 3 is selected.

When a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is newly granted is selected, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 establishes communication with the selected communication device (third communication device 3). Each communication device communicates with each other. Then, each processing unit of the granting device and the selected communication device determines the validity of each other (step 22). When determining the validity of each other, each communication device exchanges unique information with each other. Each communication device determines the validity of the other party based on the received unique information.

The legitimacy determination algorithm may be any one that can determine the legitimacy without error. The legitimacy determination algorithm is appropriately determined. For example, an electronic signature (electronic authentication) mechanism can be used.

For example, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) directs the wireless communication unit 39 of the third communication device 3 to its own unique information i1 and its own unique information i1 encrypted with a private key. The hash value is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 19. The processing unit 30 of the third communication device 3 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i1. Further, the processing unit 30 of the third communication device 3 causes the wireless communication unit 39 to acquire the public key of the first communication device 1. Further, the processing unit 30 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i1 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the processing unit 30 determines that the first communication device 1 is valid. If they are different, the processing unit 30 determines that the first communication device 1 is not valid.

On the contrary, the processing unit 30 of the third communication device 3 directs the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) to its own unique information i3 and its own unique information i3 encrypted with the private key. The hash value of is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 39. The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 obtains the hash value of the received unique information i3. Further, the processing unit 10 causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the public key of the third communication device 3. The processing unit 10 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i3 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the processing unit 10 determines that the third communication device 3 is valid. If they are different, the processing unit 10 determines that the third communication device 3 is not valid. The public key of each communication device may be stored in the storage 5.

The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) causes the wireless communication unit 19 to acquire the result of determining the validity of the third communication device 3. When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 continues the processing. When it is determined that there is no legitimacy in either one, the processing unit 10 cancels the processing. If the validity is not recognized, the processing related to proxy printing cannot proceed. As a result, the surrogate device cannot be changed. When the processing is stopped, the processing unit 10 displays a message on the display 12 to the effect that the communication device (proxy device) to which the proxy printing authority is granted cannot be changed. The owner of the granting device can recognize that the surrogate device cannot be changed.

When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) creates new proxy print permission information i5 (step 23). The newly created proxy printing permission information i5 is information for granting proxy printing authority to the third communication device 3.

Here, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) transmits the proxy printing data D2 to the image forming apparatus 4 (every time the proxy printing authority is granted). The proxy print permission information i5 in D2 is stored in the storage unit 11 in a non-volatile manner. There may be a plurality of proxy printing data D2 (print data D3) to which the proxy printing authority is granted to the second communication device 2. In other words, a plurality of proxy print permission information i5 including the unique information i2 of the second communication device 2 may be stored.

For example, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) copies all the proxy print permission information i5 including the unique information i2 of the second communication device 2. A plurality of proxy print permission information i5 may be copied. Then, the processing unit 10 rewrites the unique information i2 of the second communication device 2 to the unique information i3 of the third communication device 3 in the copied proxy print permission information i5. Further, the processing unit 10 may rewrite the creation date and time i7 in the copied proxy print permission information i5 to the current date and time. In this way, the processing unit 10 newly generates the proxy print permission information i5 for granting the proxy print authority to the third communication device 3.

The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) causes the wireless communication unit 19 to transmit the newly created proxy print permission information i5 toward the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming device 4 (step 24). The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 adds the received new proxy print permission information i5 to the corresponding proxy print data D2 (step 25). The control unit 40 recognizes the proxy printing data D2 corresponding to the new proxy printing permission information i5 based on the dedicated area information i6 and the hash value i8. FIG. 9 shows an example of proxy printing data D2 to which new proxy printing permission information i5 is added. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, when the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 receives the new proxy print permission information i5, the previously stored proxy print permission information i5 is not deleted. Leave as history.

With the addition of the new proxy printing permission information i5, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 can recognize that the proxy printing authority has been changed. Further, the control unit 40 can recognize that the third communication device 3 has become a new proxy device (second proxy device). Further, the control unit 40 can recognize that the proxy printing authority of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device) has been deprived. By transmitting and storing the new proxy printing permission information i5, the third communication device 3 is newly granted the proxy printing authority. That is, the third communication device 3 is set as the second proxy device. The processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 sets the communication device (third communication device 3) set in the second proxy setting operation as the second proxy device. Further, the transmission and storage of the new proxy printing permission information i5 deprives the second communication device 2 of the proxy printing authority.

When the addition of the new proxy print permission information i5 is completed, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 notifies the wireless communication unit 19 of the granting device of the completion of the addition (step 26). Upon receiving the notification of the completion of addition, the processing unit 10 of the granting device notifies the wireless communication section 39 of the third communication device 3 (second proxy device) that the proxy printing authority has been newly granted ( Step 27). Upon receiving the notification of the new grant of the proxy printing authority, the processing unit 30 of the third communication device 3 causes the display 12 to display the message to which the proxy printing authority is newly granted. The owner of the third communication device 3 can recognize that the proxy printing has been requested.

Further, when the notification of the completion of addition is received, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) has the proxy printing authority toward the wireless communication unit 29 of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device). Notify the deprivation (step 28). Upon receiving the notification of the deprivation of the proxy printing authority, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 displays a message on the display 22 indicating that the proxy printing authority has been lost. The owner of the second communication device 2 can recognize that the proxy printing is no longer necessary.

(Change to the destination of proxy printing authority due to transfer)
Next, an example of transfer of proxy printing authority according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of transfer of proxy printing according to the embodiment.

The owner of the communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted may not be able to perform proxy printing due to circumstances. Therefore, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to request the granting device to transfer the proxy printing authority from the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted.

Hereinafter, an example in which the granting device is the first communication device 1 will be described. Then, an example will be described in which the communication device requesting the transfer of the proxy printing authority is the second communication device 2. Then, the case of changing the communication device for which the proxy printing authority is given to the second communication device 2 to the third communication device 3 will be described. In this case, the second communication device 2 becomes the previous first proxy device. The third communication device 3 becomes the next proxy device (second proxy device) of the first proxy device.

The owner (trustee) of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device) who wants to transfer the proxy printing authority performs the third proxy setting operation on the second communication device 2. The touch panel 23 of the second communication device 2 accepts the third proxy setting operation. The third proxy setting operation is an operation for determining the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is transferred. When a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 23, the processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 causes the display 22 to display a selection screen (not shown) for selecting a communication device to which the proxy printing authority is newly granted. .. Based on the data to be given D1, the processing unit 20 displays selectable communication devices on the selection screen. The user selects one of the communication devices displayed on the display 22 of the second communication device 2. The touch panel 23 accepts the selection (touch) of the communication device. The processing unit 20 recognizes the selected communication device. Here, the third communication device 3 is selected.

When the third communication device 3 (transfer destination of proxy printing authority) is selected, the processing unit 10 of the second communication device 2 transmits a transfer request to the wireless communication unit 19 of the granting device (step # 31). ). The transfer request is data that informs the selected transfer destination communication device.

Further, the second communication device 2 may automatically transmit the transfer request. For example, the communication device (automatic transfer destination) to which the automatic proxy printing authority is transferred is predetermined. The storage unit 21 of the second communication device 2 stores the automatic transfer destination. For example, the storage unit 21 stores the third communication device 3 as an automatic transfer destination.

Here, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) transmits the confirmation time point to the second communication device 2. For example, the processing unit 10 includes the confirmation time point in the proxy printing completion notification (step # 111 in FIG. 6). For example, the confirmation time is a time when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the time when the storage completion notification is received from the image forming apparatus 4. The predetermined waiting time can be, for example, tens of minutes to several hours.

The processing unit 20 of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device) confirms whether or not the execution response has been given before the confirmation time. When the execution response is not given before the confirmation time, the processing unit 20 automatically sets the transfer destination communication device. Then, the processing unit 20 causes the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) to transmit the transfer request to the wireless communication unit 19 (step 31). The transfer request here is data that informs the automatic transfer destination.

When the transfer request is received, the first communication device 1 (granting device), the image forming device 4, and the third communication device 3 (communication device for newly granting proxy printing authority) are in steps 22 to 28 of FIG. To execute. Steps 22 to 28 in FIG. 10 are the same as steps 22 to 28 in FIG. The description will be omitted, assuming that steps 22 to 28 of FIG. 8 are incorporated.

When receiving a transfer request, there are cases where it is not desired to grant proxy printing authority to the communication device specified as the transfer destination. Therefore, the first communication device 1 (granting device) may accept permission or disapproval of transfer of proxy printing authority (step 32). When the transfer request is received, if steps 22 to 28 in FIG. 10 are always executed, step 32 is skipped.

When the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 (granting device) receives the transfer request, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 displays an input screen on the display 12 for inputting whether or not to change the communication device. Display it. For example, an allow button and a disallow button are arranged on the input screen. The touch panel 13 accepts the operation of the permission button as an input for permitting the change. The touch panel 13 accepts the operation of the disallow button as an input that does not permit the change.

Based on the output of the touch panel 13, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 recognizes the operated button. Check if the input to allow the change has been made. When the permission button is operated, the processing unit 10 determines that the input for permitting the change has been made. In this case, the processing unit 10 starts the processing after step # 32 in FIG. As a result, the processing unit 10 sets the communication device (third communication device 3) notified in the transfer request as the second proxy device.

When the disapproval button is operated, the processing unit 10 determines that the change disapproval input has been made. When the disapproval input is made, the processing unit 10 does not start the processing after step # 32 in FIG. That is, the processing unit 10 does not set the communication device (third communication device 3) notified by the transfer request as a new proxy device.

(Execution of proxy printing)
Next, an example of the flow of execution of proxy printing in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of execution of proxy printing according to the embodiment.

When the proxy printing data D2 is stored in the dedicated area, the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the proxy device exists within a certain distance (step 41). When the destination to which the proxy printing authority is granted has not been changed, the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the first proxy device (second communication device 2) exists. When the destination to which the proxy printing authority is granted is changed, the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the second proxy device (third communication device 3) exists. When the destination to which the proxy printing authority is granted is changed, the image forming apparatus 4 does not determine whether or not the first proxy device (second communication device 2) exists. The proxy device in the following description is a communication device to which proxy printing authority has been granted. That is, the proxy device is the second communication device 2 (first proxy device) or the third communication device 3 (second proxy device).

A method for determining whether or not a substitute device exists within a certain distance is appropriately determined. For example, the image forming apparatus 4 may determine whether or not a proxy device exists within a certain distance based on communication with one or a plurality of wireless LAN access points. For example, one or a plurality of access points capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus 4 are provided. Further, the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 4 may be provided with a wireless LAN access point function. In this case, the main body communication unit 44 includes a circuit (hardware) and software related to wireless LAN communication. When the predetermined access point detects the proxy device, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 may determine that the proxy device exists within a certain distance. On the other hand, when the predetermined access point cannot detect the proxy device, the control unit 40 determines that the proxy device does not exist within a certain distance. The predetermined access point is one or more. The predetermined access point may include the access point closest to the image forming apparatus 4.

Further, the image forming apparatus 4 may determine whether or not a proxy device exists within a certain distance based on the standard of short-range wireless communication. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be adopted as the standard. In this case, the main body communication unit 44 includes a circuit (hardware) and software related to short-range wireless communication. When the main body communication unit 44 and the proxy device can communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines that the proxy device exists within a certain distance. When the main body communication unit 44 cannot find the proxy device (when communication by short-range wireless communication cannot be performed), the control unit 40 determines that the proxy device does not exist within a certain distance.

When the image forming apparatus 4 determines that the surrogate device (second communication device 2 or third communication device 3) exists within a certain distance, the image forming apparatus 4 and the surrogate device communicate with each other. Then, the processing unit of the surrogate device and the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 determine the validity of each other (step 42). When determining the validity of each other, the surrogate device and the image forming apparatus 4 exchange unique information with each other. The proxy device and the image forming apparatus 4 determine the validity of the other party based on the received unique information.

The algorithm for determining the correctness between the proxy device and the image forming apparatus 4 may also be one that can determine the correctness without error. The legitimacy determination algorithm is appropriately determined. An electronic signature (electronic authentication) mechanism can also be used between the proxy device and the image forming apparatus 4.

For example, the processing unit (processing unit 20 or processing unit 30) of the proxy device transmits its own unique information and the hash value of its own unique information encrypted with the private key to the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 4. .. The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 obtains a hash value of the received unique information. Further, the control unit 40 causes the main body communication unit 44 to acquire the public key of the proxy device. The control unit 40 decrypts the hash value of the unique information i2 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the control unit 40 determines that the surrogate device is valid. If they are different, the control unit 40 determines that the surrogate device is not valid.

On the contrary, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 transmits the hash value of its own unique information i4 and its own unique information i4 encrypted with the private key to the wireless communication unit 29 of the proxy device. The processing unit (processing unit 20 or processing unit 30) of the proxy device obtains the hash value of the received unique information i4. Further, the processing unit causes the wireless communication unit (wireless communication unit 29 or wireless communication unit 39) to acquire the public key of the image forming apparatus 4. The processing unit decrypts the hash value of the unique information i4 encrypted with the private key with the public key. If both hash values are correct, the processing unit determines that the image forming apparatus 4 is valid. If they are different, the processing unit determines that the image forming apparatus 4 is not valid.

The processing unit of the proxy device causes the wireless communication unit to acquire the result of determining the validity of the image forming apparatus 4. The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the main body communication unit 44 to acquire the result of determining the validity of the proxy device. When both are determined to be valid, the processing unit and the control unit 40 continue the processing. When it is determined that there is no legitimacy in either one, the processing unit and the control unit 40 stop the processing. If the validity is not recognized, the processing related to proxy printing cannot proceed. As a result, proxy printing cannot be performed. When the processing is stopped, the processing unit of the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted displays a message on the display that proxy printing is not possible. In addition, the control unit 40 displays a message on the display panel indicating that proxy printing is not possible. The owner of the proxy device can recognize that proxy printing is not possible.

When both are determined to be valid, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the communication unit to transmit the list data toward the wireless communication unit of the proxy device (step 43). The list data is data for displaying a list of print data D3 that can be printed by proxy on a communication device (proxy device) within a certain distance. The list data includes the name of the print data D3 that can be printed by proxy. Further, the list data includes a sender of print data D3 capable of proxy printing (first communication device 1 = granting device). That is, when the proxy device is within a certain distance, the control unit 40 causes the wireless communication unit 29 to transmit a response request (list data) inquiring whether to perform proxy printing to the main body communication unit 44.

When the list data is received, the processing unit of the proxy device displays a list of print data D3 capable of proxy printing on the display based on the list data (step 44). The user can select the print data D3 to be printed by proxy from the list. For example, the user touches the display position of the print data D3 to be printed by proxy. When the print data D3 is selected, the processing unit 20 of the proxy device transmits an execution response to the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 4 (step 45). The execution response includes the intention to perform proxy printing and the name of the selected print data D3.

In some cases, you may not want to start proxy printing because you are in a hurry. Therefore, in the proxy device, it is possible to select not to execute the proxy printing. The touch panel (touch panel 23 or touch panel 33) of the proxy device accepts non-execution of proxy printing. When non-execution is selected, the processing unit transmits a non-execution answer to the main body communication unit 44 of the image forming apparatus 4. When the non-execution answer is received, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 does not start proxy printing. When the non-execution answer is received, the control unit 40 does not determine the validity again while the substitute device is within a certain distance. The control unit 40 does not retransmit the list data while the surrogate device is within a certain distance. After the surrogate device goes out of a certain distance, the process is executed again from step 41.

Upon receiving the execution response, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 reads out the proxy printing data D2 including the selected print data D3 from the storage 5 (step 46). Then, the control unit 40 confirms the creation date and time i7 of the acquired proxy printing data D2 (step 47). The control unit 40 determines whether or not to print based on the creation date and time i7.

Printing based on the proxy printing data D2, which has been created for a long time, may not be preferable. For example, unnecessary confidential documents may be printed. Therefore, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 confirms whether or not the time when the execution response is received is within a predetermined printable period from the creation date and time i7. The information of the creation date and time i7 is included in the proxy printing data D2 (proxy printing permission information i5). The printable period is set as appropriate. The printable period may be, for example, several hours. The printable period may be, for example, one day or several days. The printable period is longer than the waiting time described above.

When it is out of the printable period, the control unit 40 does not allow the print unit 43 to print based on the print data D3. In this case, the control unit 40 causes the wireless communication unit of the proxy device to transmit to the communication unit that it is out of the printable period. Upon receiving the fact that it is out of the printable period, the processing unit displays on the display that the selected print data D3 cannot be printed by proxy.

When it is within the printable period, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 causes the printing unit 43 to perform printing based on the print data D3 (step 48, execution of proxy printing). After the execution of the proxy printing (printing based on the print data D3) is completed, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 transmits a print completion notification to the main body communication unit 44 toward the wireless communication unit of the proxy device (step 49). .. When the print completion notification is received, the processing unit of the proxy device displays the proxy print completion message on the display. The owner of the proxy device can recognize the completion of proxy printing.

When the print completion notification is received, the processing unit of the proxy device causes the wireless communication unit 19 of the first communication device 1 to transmit the print completion notification to the wireless communication unit (step 410). When the print completion notification is received, the processing unit 10 of the first communication device 1 displays a message of the completion of proxy printing on the display 12. The owner of the granting device can recognize the completion of proxy printing.

As described above, when the proxy printing authority is not transferred, the process of FIG. 11 is performed on the second communication device 2 (first proxy device). Specifically, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the second communication device 2 (first surrogate device) exists within a certain distance. When the control unit 40 determines that the second communication device 2 exists, the control unit 40 transmits a reply request inquiring whether to perform proxy printing to the second communication device 2. When the execution response is received from the second communication device 2, the control unit 40 causes the print unit 43 to print based on the print data D3 stored in the dedicated area.

Further, when the proxy printing authority is transferred, the process of FIG. 11 is performed on the third communication device 3 (new proxy device, second proxy device). The process of FIG. 11 is not performed on the second communication device 2 (first proxy device). The control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the third communication device 3 (second proxy device) exists within a certain distance. When it is determined that the second proxy device exists, the control unit 40 sends a response request inquiring whether or not to perform proxy printing to the second proxy device. When the execution response is received from the second proxy device, the printing unit 43 is made to print based on the print data D3 stored in the dedicated area. Regarding the second communication device 2 (first proxy device), it is not determined whether or not it exists within a certain distance.

(Processing of image forming apparatus 4 during proxy printing)
Next, an example of the flow of processing during proxy printing of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow during proxy printing of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment.

Proxy printing may need to be stopped. During the proxy printing, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 4 confirms whether or not the proxy printing should be stopped. The start of FIG. 13 is the time when proxy printing is started based on the execution response.

The control unit 401 determines whether or not there is a communication device (first proxy device or second proxy device) to which the proxy printing authority has been granted within a certain distance (step # 51). During the proxy printing, the control unit 40 continues to confirm the existence of the communication device to which the proxy printing authority of the print data D3 is granted. When the proxy printing authority is not transferred, the control unit 40 confirms the existence of the second communication device 2 (first proxy device). When the proxy printing authority is transferred, the control unit 40 confirms the existence of the third communication device 3 (second proxy device).

When it no longer exists (No in step # 51), the control unit 40 stops proxy printing (printing based on print data D3) (step # 52). Proxy printing may print confidential documents. At the time of proxy printing, the assignee should be near the image forming apparatus 4. If the person in charge continues the proxy printing even though the person in charge is not near the image forming apparatus 4, all the printed matter of the proxy printing may be taken away by a third party. Therefore, when the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted no longer exists within a certain distance, the control unit 40 stops the proxy printing.

When the proxy printing is stopped (Yes in step # 52), the control unit 401 causes the communication unit to send a print stop notification to the communication device (proxy device) to which the proxy printing authority is granted (step # 53). .. The processing unit of the communication device that has received the print stop notification displays a message on the display that the proxy printing has been stopped. Then, this flow ends (end). When the proxy printing is redone, the image forming apparatus 4 is approached again. As a result, the process of FIG. 11 is restarted from the beginning.

When the presence is within a certain distance (No in step # 52), the control unit 40 confirms whether or not the predetermined stop condition is satisfied (step # 54). For example, the cancellation condition may be that the communication unit newly receives the print data D3 in which the high priority is set. Further, the cancellation condition may be that the proxy printing authority of the print data D3 during proxy printing has been changed to another communication device. For example, when new proxy print permission information i5 is received from the first communication device 1 (granting device) for the proxy print data D2 including the print data D3 during proxy printing, the control unit 40 satisfies the cancellation condition. Judge that it was done.

When the discontinuation condition is satisfied (step # 54), the flow shifts to step # 52. When the stop condition is not satisfied, the control unit 40 confirms whether or not the proxy printing is completed (step # 55). For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last page of the print data D3 for proxy printing was fed, the control unit 40 determines that printing is completed. When the proxy printing is not completed (No in step # 55), the flow returns to step # 51. When the proxy printing is completed (Yes in step # 55), the flow ends.

In this way, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment includes an image forming device 4, an imparting device (first communication device 1), a proxy device, and a storage 5. The image forming apparatus 4 includes a printing unit 43. The granting device grants proxy printing authority. The proxy device is a device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. Storage 5 stores data. The image forming apparatus 4, the imparting device, and the surrogate device each include a communication unit and can communicate with each other. The granting device accepts the first proxy setting operation that defines the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. When the first proxy setting operation is performed, the granting device transmits a creation request requesting the creation of the dedicated area to the image forming apparatus 4. The dedicated area is a storage area dedicated to proxy printing. Upon receiving the creation request, the image forming apparatus 4 creates a dedicated area in the storage 5. When the dedicated area is created, the granting device creates the proxy printing data D2. By transmitting the created proxy printing data D2 to the image forming apparatus 4, the granting device grants proxy printing authority to the communication device set in the first proxy setting operation, and is set in the first proxy setting operation. Set the communication device as the first proxy device. The proxy printing data D2 includes proxy printing permission information i5 and print data D3 for printing by the printing unit 43. The image forming apparatus 4 stores the received proxy printing data D2 in a dedicated area. The image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the first surrogate device (second communication device 2) exists within a certain distance from the image forming apparatus 4. When it is determined that the first proxy device exists, the image forming apparatus 4 transmits a response request inquiring whether or not to perform proxy printing to the first proxy device. When the execution response to the effect of performing proxy printing is received from the first proxy device, the image forming apparatus 4 causes the printing unit 43 to print based on the print data D3 stored in the dedicated area.

As a result, it is possible to provide a mechanism for proxy printing even in an environment where user authentication cannot be performed. Proxy printing is possible even if the user information is not registered in the image forming apparatus 4. Proxy printing is possible even if the image forming apparatus 4 does not authenticate the user. Further, proxy printing is possible without the user logging in to the image forming apparatus 4. Therefore, even an image forming apparatus 4 that does not have user information can perform proxy printing. Further, even a person who is not registered in the image forming apparatus 4 as a usable person can perform proxy printing. Further, since the print data D3 is stored in the dedicated area, the print data D3 can be protected from unauthorized use.

The granting device accepts a second proxy setting operation for changing the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. When the second proxy setting operation is performed, the granting device deprives the first proxy device of the proxy printing authority. The granting device grants proxy printing authority to the communication device set by the second proxy setting operation, and sets the communication device set by the second proxy setting operation as a new proxy device, the second proxy device. The image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the second proxy device (third communication device 3) exists within a certain distance. When it is determined that the second proxy device exists, the image forming apparatus 4 transmits a response request to the second proxy device. When the execution response is received from the second proxy device, the image forming apparatus 4 causes the printing unit 43 to print based on the print data D3 stored in the dedicated area. The image forming apparatus 4 does not determine whether or not the first surrogate device exists within a certain distance. This makes it possible to change the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted. Printing based on the print data D3 can be started using a new proxy device (second proxy device). Further, it is possible to prevent proxy printing by using a communication device (previous proxy device = first proxy device) from which the proxy printing authority has been deprived.

The first proxy device accepts a third proxy setting operation that determines the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is transferred. The first proxy device sends a transfer request notifying the transfer destination communication device to the granting device. Upon receiving the transfer request, the granting device deprives the first proxy device of the proxy printing authority. The granting device grants proxy printing authority to the notified transfer destination communication device, and sets the transfer destination communication device as a new proxy device, the second proxy device. The image forming apparatus 4 determines whether or not the second surrogate device exists within a certain distance. When it is determined that the second proxy device exists, the image forming apparatus 4 transmits a response request to the second proxy device. When the execution response is received from the second proxy device, the image forming apparatus 4 prints on the printing unit 43 based on the print data D3 stored in the dedicated area. The image forming apparatus 4 does not determine whether or not the first surrogate device exists within a certain distance. As a result, the first proxy device can be operated to transfer its own proxy printing authority to another communication device. Further, it is possible to prevent proxy printing by using a communication device (first proxy device) to which proxy printing authority has been transferred.

The owner of the proxy device may be too busy to print on behalf of the user. In addition, the owner of the proxy device may forget to print on behalf of the user. Therefore, the granting device transmits the confirmation time point to the first proxy device. The first proxy device confirms whether or not the execution response is given before the confirmation time. If the execution response is not given before the confirmation time, the first proxy device automatically sets the transfer destination communication device. The first proxy device transmits a transfer request notifying the automatically set transfer destination communication device to the granting device. As a result, when a long time elapses without executing proxy printing, the proxy device (communication device to which proxy printing authority is granted) can be automatically changed.

When the transfer request is received and the input for permitting the change of the communication device is received, the granting device sets the communication device notified by the transfer request as the second proxy device. When an input that does not allow the change of the communication device is accepted, the granting device does not set the communication device notified in the transfer request as the second proxy device. As a result, the outsourcer of proxy printing can determine whether or not to set proxy printing authority on the new communication device. It is possible to prevent the transfer of undesired proxy printing authority.

When setting the second proxy device, the granting device creates new proxy print permission information i5 for the second proxy device. The granting device transmits the created new proxy print permission information i5 to the image forming apparatus 4. When the new proxy print permission information i5 is received, the image forming apparatus 4 stores the new proxy print permission information i5 in the dedicated area. The image forming apparatus 4 does not delete the previously stored proxy print permission information i5. As a result, when the second proxy device is newly set, the proxy print permission information i5 for the second proxy device is created. Further, the proxy print permission information i5 of the first proxy device stored previously is not deleted. The proxy print permission information i5 of the first proxy device is left as a history.

The image forming apparatus 4 stops printing based on the print data D3 when there is no communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted within a certain distance during printing based on the print data D3. As a result, when a person to whom the proxy printing authority is granted leaves the image forming apparatus 4, the printed matter of the proxy printing may be seen by another person. In such a case, printing can be stopped. You can prevent the leakage of secrets.

The granting device includes the creation date and time i7 of the proxy printing data D2 in the proxy printing permission information i5. The image forming apparatus 4 confirms whether or not the time when the execution response is received is within the predetermined printable period from the creation date and time i7. When it is within the printable period, the image forming apparatus 4 causes the printing unit 43 to print based on the print data D3. When it is not within the printable period, the image forming apparatus 4 does not allow the printing unit 43 to print based on the print data D3. This makes it possible to prevent printing of expired print data D3 (old print data D3). Further, since the proxy printing data D2 whose printable period has expired cannot be printed, it is possible to prevent information leakage.

When the storage of the proxy printing data D2 in the dedicated area is completed, the image forming apparatus 4 notifies the granting device of the completion of the proxy printing preparation. The granting device notifies the first proxy device or the second proxy device of the completion of the proxy printing preparation. When the printing based on the print data D3 is completed, the image forming apparatus 4 notifies the first proxy device or the second proxy device of the completion of the proxy printing. The first proxy device or the second proxy device notifies the granting device of the completion of proxy printing. As a result, it is possible to notify the owner (trustee) of the proxy device that proxy printing is possible. In addition, the completion of proxy printing can be notified to the owner (trustee) of the first proxy device or the second proxy device and the owner (requester) of the granting device. It is possible to confirm whether or not abnormal proxy printing has been performed.

Before the granting device grants the proxy printing authority, the granting device communicates with the communication device that is a candidate for granting the proxy printing authority, and determines the validity. When it is determined that there is legitimacy, the granting device continues the process. When it is determined that there is no legitimacy, the granting device cancels the process. When the legitimacy is not recognized, a malicious person may be attempting to obtain a confidential document by proxy printing. As a result, when the legitimacy of the communication device for which the proxy printing authority is to be granted is not recognized, the processing (procedure) required for proxy printing is interrupted. It is possible to prevent the leakage of secrets.

When the granting device transmits the creation request, the granting device and the image forming device 4 communicate with each other to determine the validity of each other. When both are determined to be valid, the granting device and the image forming device 4 continue the process. When it is determined that there is no legitimacy in either one, the imparting device and the image forming device 4 do not continue the process. When the legitimacy is not recognized, a malicious person may be attempting to obtain a confidential document by proxy printing. As a result, when the validity of either the granting device or the image forming device 4 is not recognized, the processing (procedure) required for proxy printing is interrupted. It is possible to prevent the leakage of secrets.

When it is determined that there is a communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted by the granting device within a certain distance from the image forming device 4, the communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted and the image forming device 4 communicate with each other. Judge each other's legitimacy. When it is determined that both are valid, the communication device and the image forming apparatus 4 to which the proxy printing authority is granted continue the processing. When it is determined that there is no validity in either one, the communication device and the image forming apparatus 4 to which the proxy printing authority is granted do not continue the process. When the legitimacy is not recognized, a malicious person may be attempting to obtain a confidential document by proxy printing. When the validity of either the image forming apparatus 4 or the first or second proxy device is not recognized, the process (procedure) required for proxy printing is interrupted. It is possible to prevent the leakage of secrets.

Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in an image forming system including a plurality of communication devices and an image forming apparatus.

100 Image formation system 1 First communication device (granting device)
2 Second communication device (proxy device, first proxy device)
3 Third communication device (proxy device, second proxy device)
4 Image forming device 43 Printing unit 5 Storage D2 Proxy printing data D3 Print data i5 Proxy print permission information

Claims (12)

An image forming device including a printing unit and
Granting equipment that grants proxy printing authority, and
The proxy device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted and the proxy device
Including storage to store data
The image forming apparatus, the imparting apparatus, and the surrogate apparatus each include a communication unit and can communicate with each other.
The granting device is
Accepts the first proxy setting operation that determines the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted,
When the first proxy setting operation is performed, a creation request requesting the creation of a dedicated area is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus is transmitted.
The dedicated area is a storage area dedicated to proxy printing.
When the image forming apparatus receives the creation request, the image forming apparatus creates the dedicated area in the storage.
When the dedicated area is created
The granting device is
Create data for proxy printing and
By transmitting the created proxy printing data to the image forming apparatus, the proxy printing authority is granted to the communication device set by the first proxy setting operation, and the communication set by the first proxy setting operation is given. Set the device as the first proxy device,
The proxy printing data includes proxy printing permission information and print data for printing by the printing unit.
The image forming apparatus
The received data for proxy printing is stored in the dedicated area, and the data is stored in the dedicated area.
It is determined whether or not the first surrogate device exists within a certain distance from the image forming apparatus.
When it is determined that the first proxy device exists, a response request inquiring whether or not to perform proxy printing is transmitted to the first proxy device.
An image forming system characterized in that when an execution response to the effect of performing proxy printing is received from the first proxy device, the printing unit is made to perform printing based on the print data stored in the dedicated area. The granting device is
Accepts the second proxy setting operation to change the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted,
When the second proxy setting operation is performed, the proxy printing authority is deprived from the first proxy device, and the proxy printing authority is deprived.
The proxy printing authority is given to the communication device set by the second proxy setting operation, and the communication device set by the second proxy setting operation is set as a new proxy device, the second proxy device.
The image forming apparatus
It is determined whether or not the second surrogate device exists within the fixed distance, and
When it is determined that the second proxy device exists, the response request is transmitted to the second proxy device.
When the execution response is received from the second proxy device, the printing unit is made to perform printing based on the printing data stored in the dedicated area.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first proxy device does not determine whether or not it exists within the fixed distance. The first surrogate device is
Accepts the third proxy setting operation that determines the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is transferred,
A transfer request notifying the transfer destination communication device is sent to the grant device,
When the transfer request is received
The granting device is
The proxy printing authority is deprived from the first proxy device,
The notified transfer destination communication device is given the proxy printing authority, and the transfer destination communication device is set as a new proxy device, that is, a second proxy device.
The image forming apparatus
It is determined whether or not the second surrogate device exists within the fixed distance, and
When it is determined that the second proxy device exists, the response request is transmitted to the second proxy device.
When the execution response is received from the second proxy device, the printing unit is made to perform printing based on the printing data stored in the dedicated area.
The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the first proxy device does not determine whether or not it exists within the fixed distance.
The granting device transmits the confirmation time point to the first proxy device,
The first surrogate device is
Confirm whether or not the execution answer was given before the confirmation time,
When the execution response is not given before the confirmation time, the transfer destination communication device is automatically set, and the transfer request notifying the automatically set transfer destination communication device is transmitted to the granting device. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image forming system is characterized. When the transfer request is received
The granting device is
When the input permitting the change of the communication device is accepted, the communication device notified in the transfer request is set as the second proxy device, and the transfer device is set.
The image forming system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when an input that does not allow the change of the communication device is accepted, the communication device notified by the transfer request is not set as the second proxy device. When setting the second proxy device
The granting device is
Create new proxy printing permission information for the second proxy device,
The created new proxy print permission information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
When the new proxy printing permission information is received,
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the image forming apparatus stores new proxy print permission information in the dedicated area and does not delete the previously stored proxy print permission information. The image forming system described. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, during printing based on the print data, when the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted no longer exists within the fixed distance, printing based on the print data is stopped. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The granting device includes the creation date and time of the proxy printing data in the proxy printing permission information.
The image forming apparatus confirms whether or not the time when the execution response is received is within a predetermined printable period from the creation date and time.
When it is within the printable period, the printing unit is made to perform printing based on the print data.
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the printing unit is not allowed to perform printing based on the print data when it is not within the printable period. When the storage of the proxy printing data in the dedicated area is completed
The image forming apparatus notifies the granting device of the completion of proxy printing preparation,
The granting device notifies the first proxy device or the second proxy device of the completion of proxy printing preparation,
When printing based on the print data is completed
The image forming apparatus notifies the first proxy device or the second proxy device of the completion of proxy printing, and notifies the completion of proxy printing.
The image forming system according to any one of claims 2 to 6 , wherein the first proxy device or the second proxy device notifies the granting device of the completion of proxy printing.
Before the granting device grants the proxy printing authority,
The granting device communicates with the communication device that is a candidate for granting the proxy printing authority, determines the validity, and determines the validity.
When it is judged to be legitimate
The granting device continues processing and
When it is judged that there is no legitimacy
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the granting device stops processing. When the granting device sends the creation request
The granting device and the image forming apparatus communicate with each other, determine the validity of each other, and determine the validity of each other.
When both are judged to be legitimate
The granting device and the image forming apparatus continue processing,
When either one is judged to be unjustified
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the imparting device and the image forming apparatus do not continue processing. When it is determined that a communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted by the granting device exists within a certain distance from the image forming apparatus.
The communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted and the image forming apparatus communicate with each other, determine the validity of each other, and determine the validity of each other.
When both are judged to be legitimate
The communication device to which the proxy printing authority has been granted and the image forming apparatus continue processing,
When either one is judged to be unjustified
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication device to which the proxy printing authority is granted and the image forming apparatus do not continue processing.

Images